Domino type game apparatus

ABSTRACT

Twenty-eight pieces, as in dominoes, each have first and second indicia selected from a group of seven indicia which may be the dot groups and blank, as in dominoes, or any other selected indicia such as numerals, characters or symbols. Each of the seven indicia appears as the first or second indicia on seven of the pieces, and is therefore common to seven pieces. Additionally each piece has a third indicia, selected from the seven indicia, which is different from its first and second indicia; and each of the seven indicia appears as the third indicia on four pieces. Accordingly each of the seven indicia is common to four additional pieces, or a total of eleven pieces.

[ Jan. 15, 1974 DOMINO TYPE GAME APPARATUS [76] Inventor: Jack D. Babb, 420 Bonita,

Jacksonville, Tex. 75766 [22] Filed: July 14, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 271,691

672,568 5/1952 Great Britain 273/137 D Primary Examiner-Delbert B. Lowe Attorney-Peter J. Murphy et al.

[ 5 7 ABSTRACT Twenty-eight pieces, as in dominoes, each have first and second indicia selected from a group of seven indicia which may be the dot groups and blank, as in dominoes, or any other selected indicia such as numerals, characters or symbols. Each of the seven indicia appears as the first or second indicia on seven of the pieces, and is therefore common to seven pieces. Additionally each piece has a third indicia, selected from the seven indicia, which is different from its first and second indicia; and each of the seven indicia appears as the third indicia on four pieces. Accordingly each of the seven indicia is common to four additional pieces, or a total of eleven pieces.

10 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PAIENIEBJANISIBTZ 3,785,655

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mupp'n'm FIELD NUMBER OR F BLANK WHITE ONE SILVER TWO YELLOW THREE BLUE I FOUR GREEN FIVE MAGENTA 1 DOMINO TYPE GAME APPARATUS BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a domino type game set which may be used in the playing of conventional domino games, and wherein the pieces have additional indicia making a domino set more versatile for the playing of other type games.

An object of this invention is to provide a domino type game set which may be used in the playing of all conventional domino games, but which also may be used in the playing of additional games.

A further object of this invention is to provide a conventional domino type game set having first and second indicia on each piece, and providing a third indicia on each piece enabling the playing of additional games.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved domino type game which is adapted to be played with domino type pieces having indicia on one face, and with the pieces having edge surfaces for supporting same on a playing surface in a manner to hide the indicia from companion players.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a domino type game enabling the playing of bid or contract type games similar to games normally played with playing cards.

These objects are accomplished in a game which includes a set of twenty-eight rectangular pieces each defining a face divided into two generally square end areas and a narrow dividing area separating the end areas. The 28 pieces each have first and second indicia, on the respective end areas, selected from a group of seven indicia, with the first and second indicia for any one piece being the same or different indicia, and with no two pieces having the same first and second indicia. Each of the seven indicia appears on and is common to seven of the set pieces, as a first or second indicia. Each piece has a third indicia selected from the seven indicia, with the third indicia for each piece being different from the first and second indicia for that piece. Each of the seven indicia appears on and is common to four pieces, as a third indicia, whereby each of the seven indicia is common to a total of eleven of the 28 set pieces.

The novel features and the advantages of the invention, as well as additional objects thereof, will be understood more fully from the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DRAWINGS FIGS. 1 and 2 are the faces of selected pieces from a game set including first, second and third indicia in the form of numerals and counterpart color backgrounds;

FIG. 3 is a layout table identifying the28 game pieces and the respective first, second and third indicia which consist of the numerals 1 through 6 and blank (bl);

FIG. 4 is a table correlating selected numeral indicia with counterpart color indicia;

FIG. 5 illustrates another form of face design for a game piece including, as a first and second indicia, numerals on a counterpart colored circular field, and smaller numbers on a bar field as a third indicia;

FIG. 6 is a form of piece face employing as the first and second indicia conventional domino type dot groups on a counterpart colored background, and a center colored stripe with dot groups as a third indicia;

FIG. 7 is another form of game piece having letter characters as the first and second indicia, and having smaller letter characters on a center stripe as the third indicia; and

FIG. 8 is another form of game piece face having colored symbols as the first and second indicia, and having a center colored stripe as the third indicia.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In preferred form, the game set consists of 28 pieces which may have the configuration of pieces used in the playing of well known domino games, with popular size pieces being dimensioned about 2 inches X 1 inch X 3/8 inch. In conventional domino games these pieces have one face defining two 1 inch squares each of which contains a selected one of seven indicia taken from dot groups representing the numerals 1 through 6 and blank. In applicants game to be described, the pieces include first and second indicia at opposite ends of the game piece (similar to a domino game set), and also a third indicia located at the longitudinal center of the face, or generally between the first and second indicia at the opposite ends of the piece face.

While domino type game pieces are preferred, for the purpose of enabling the setting up of the pieces on their edges on a playing surface, it will be understood that the game may consist of other types of playing pieces having the indicated first, second and third indicia arranged in a similar orientation. It will also be understood that while certain types of indicia are illustrated and described here, any other may be used in designing playing pieces for this game.

In one preferred form of game set illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, the game includes 28 pieces bearing selected indicia from seven indicia represented by the numerals 1 through 6 and blank (sometimes abbreviated BL) and seven counterpart color indicia. FIG. 4 is a table setting up the correlation between the counterpart numeral and color indicia.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, each piece includes first and second indicia which are selected numerals or BL placed at the opposite ends of the pieces and also represented by colored backgrounds or field colors at the ends of the pieces. The third indicia for these pieces is a colored stripe at the longitudinal center of the piece and between the field colors of the two ends, with the colored ends and colored stripe preferably being separated or set apart by contrasting marginal lines.

FIG. 3 is a layout table which identifies the 28 pieces in the left hand column, and identifies for each piece the first and second indicia (Ind 1 and Ind 2), and also the third indicia (Ind 3) which is identified by a numeral designation. To correlate the numeral designation to the counterpart color designation, it is necessary to refer to the table of FIG. 4.

Referring to the pieces illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and to the tables, it will be seen that the piece illustrated in FIG. 1 is identified as piece no. 4 in the layout table (63 BL). According to FIG. 4 it will be seen that the field color for the numeral 6 is red, the field color for the numeral 3 is blue, and the field color for BL is white. Accordingly the center stripe in FIG. 1 is white. The piece of FIG. 2 is identified in the layout table as piece no. 9 (5-4-3). Again referring to FIG. 4 it will be seen that the field color for the numeral 5 is magenta,

the field color for the numeral 4 is green, and the field color for the numeral 3 is blue. These colors then are illustrated in FIG. 2 with the third indicia stripe being colored blue.

It will be seen from the layout table that indicia 1 and indicia 2 for these pieces correspond to conventional domino indicia; that is there are seven pieces bearing the numeral 6 on one end, seven pieces bearing the numeral 1 on one end, seven pieces bearing a blank on one end, etc., with no two pieces being identical, in respect to the first and second indicia. From the indicia 3 column it will be seen that of the 28 pieces there are four pieces bearing the indicia for the number 6, four bearing the indicia for the numeral 5, four bearing the indicia for the numeral 1, etc. It will further be seen that indicia 3 for each piece differs from both indicia 1 and 2 for that piece.

As a result of this arrangement, for any selected one indicia there are eleven of the 28 pieces which bear this indicia. For example, with reference to the layout table, pieces 1 through 7 bear the numeral 6 and counterpart field color red, and pieces 8, 13, 17 and 20 bear the numeral 6 and field color red as the third indicia in the center stripe. In playing a game where the indicia 6-red is identified as trump, for example, there will be seven regular trump pieces, that is the pieces 1 through 7, and there may be four additional trump pieces, referred to as quasis," for example, these being the pieces numbered 8, 13, 17 and 20 in the layout table. There are of course a corresponding number of normal trump and quasis for any selected one of the seven indicia.

FIGS. 5 through 8 illustrate different forms and layouts which may be employed for the game piece faces. In FIG. 5 the first and second indicia are again represented by numerals but are now placed in counterpart field color circles, with the third indicia indicated by smaller numerals in a counterpart dumbbell shaped field at the longitudinal center of the piece.

FIG. 6 is illustrative of a game set wherein the first and second indicia are the conventional dot groups of the domino game placed on counterpart colored fields, with the third indicia being a dot group on a center bar field.

In FIG. 7 the seven selected indicia are letter characters placed in appropriate non-colored fields. Here, the piece faces may be white with black characters, or vice versa.

In FIG. 8 the selected seven indicia are represented by symbols which may bear counterpart colors. In the illustrated example a first indicia is a lemon, colored yellow, and a second indicia is an applied, colored red. The third indicia is a transverse center stripe which is colored blue, for example.

In most of the above described game pieces, the seven indicia are represented by some form of symbol such as a numeral, character, dot group or article, with a counterpart color. This dual form of indicia is merely to enable easier recognition of the seven different indicia by the players. It is understood of course that the game may just as easily be played with only one form of indicia. FIG. 7 of course represents indicia simply in the form of letter characters which may be black characters on a white or other uniform colored background or may be white characters on a black background face for example. It will also be understood that the seven indicia could be in the form of colors only. For example, the pieces illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 could serve just as well with the field colors only, omitting the numerals. In an alternative form, the piece faces could simply be white or uncolored, with the indicia such as numerals, letters or dots being placed on the white background in the counterpart colors. This would again bring in the duel indicia of symbols and counterpart colors, but eliminate the colored backgrounds.

The following are the rules of play of a typical game which may be played with a game set as described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4; this game being named Quasi-Contract Dominoes Partnership.

QUASI-CONTRACT Played by 4 players, 2 on each team, as a partnership game.

Object: The object of the game is to be the first team to accumulate 30 points in several hands of play. Points are made by winning tricks.

Equipment: A Quasi Domino set consists of 28 pieces, no two pieces are alike. Each piece is divided into three parts, two ends and a center stripe. The 28 pieces are arranged into seven suits. The suit symbols appear on the ends as well as the center stripe. Each suit symbol has a distinctive field coloring, making them very easily identifiable.

Suit Rank: Six (highest), Five, Four, Three, Two, One, Blank (lowest). There are also 4 additional pieces related to each suit which are called Quasis." A quasi is easy to identify since the center stripe has a similar symbol and the same field color as the parent suit. Only the 4 quasis related to the suit contracted as trumps figure in a given hand. All other quasi designator stripes are voided and are to be ignored. The double is always the highest ranking trump followed by the piece with a trump on one end and the highest non-trump suit symbol on the other end. The 4 quasis are always the lowest ranking trump and are of equal value.

Preparation: All 28 pieces are placed face down in the center of the table and shuffled by intermixing the pieces thoroughly. Each player selects one piece. The two players drawing pieces with the highest sum are partners; the highest becomes the dealer. The deal is passed from player to player in a clockwise fashion, changing at each new deal.

Dealing: The dealer shuffles the deck. The player to the dealers left then selects 7 pieces from the table, placing them on their sides in front of and facing him. This is continued in a clockwise fashion until each player has 7 pieces; the dealer getting the last 7 pieces from the table.

Bidding: Beginning with the dealer and continuing clockwise around the table each player makes a call (either a pass or a bid). A pass indicates no bid. Should all players pass on the first round the hand is void and a new hand is shuffled and dealt by the player to the left of the previous dealer. A bid is an undertaking to win a certain number of tricks in a certain suit. The bid is always expressed in two parts. The first part denotes the number of tricks that the bidder offers to take. The second part denotes the suit desired as trump. The lowest possible bid is one blank followed by one one, one two, one three, etc; up to the highest possible bid of seven sixes. The bidding is opened when one player makes a bid. Each bid must be higher than the previous bid, either offering to take a greater number of tricks or the same number in a higher ranking suit. Any player may, at his turn, offer a bid even though he has previously passed. All of the bidding is stopped and a contract is made, when a bid 'is followed by three passes. Remember: In all seven suits there are 11 potential trumps; 7 regular (with end marking) and 4 quasi (with stripe marking). Only the quasi related to the trump suit are used on a given hand.

Playing Alone: At the conclusion of the regular bidding, the player who entered the last bid may elect to play it alone. When he declares this option he is awarded extra bid trick and overtrick points for a successful contract but the hand must be played without the help of his partner and without the use of his partners pieces. Partners pieces are turned face down on the table and are not used or seen during the hand. Should the last bidder revoke (not declare) this option, the hand is played as follows:

The Play: The player to the left of the last bidder places any one of his seven pieces face up in the center of the table. This is the opening lead. The higher ranking suit of the two ends of this piece is the suit determiner (unless the piece displays a trump) and each player must follow this suit if he can, otherwise he may discard a potential loser or play a trump. Each player in clockwise order places one piece in the center of the table, face up, and this constitutes a trick. A trick is always won by the player playing the highest piece to the suit led, or, by the highest trump played if the trick contains a trump. The player that wins a trick must lead to the next trick. The play continues in this manner until all seven tricks have been played.

Tricks: One piece from each hand is one trick. One player from each team gathers his teams winning tricks. The pieces are placed in a neat row, face up, in front of these players. The pieces of the second trick won are stacked, face up, on top of the first trick pieces. This continues throughout the hand so that only the pieces won on the last trick, by each team, are visible.

Trumps: A piece with the trump symbol on the end(s) or on the stripe (quasi) is always and totally a trump. The other suit symbols on these pieces are used to denote the rank of the trump piece. The 4 quasis are of equal rank (lowest). Should more than one be played on a trick and not overtrumped, the trick shall belong to the player playing the first quasi.

Scoring: The score is totaled after each hand is played. The score is determined by a comparision of the number of tricks bid and the actual number of tricks taken by the bidder. Points are awarded for a bid made and for overtricks (tricks in excess of those bid) to the bidding team. Points are awarded for undertricks (tricks bid but not made) to the defensive team. Note: No points are awarded the bidding team unless the bid number of tricks is made or exceeded. No points are awarded the defensive team unless the contract is defeated. One team only scores per hand.

SCORING TABLE Ench Trick Over- Under- Bid 8L Made tricks tricks Partners 2 l 5 Alone 3 2 5 The first team to score thirty points is the winner.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is: 1. A game comprising a set of 28 rectangular pieces each defining a face divided into two generally square end areas and a narrow dividing area separating said end areas; said 28 pieces each having first and second indicia, on the respective end areas thereof, selected from a group of seven indicia; the first and second indicia for any one piece being the same or different indicia, with no two pieces having the same first and second indicia; each of the seven indicia appearing on and being common to seven of the set pieces as a first or second indicia; each piece having a third indicia selected from said seven indicia on the dividing area thereof, said third indicia for each piece being different from the first and second indicia for that piece; each of said seven indicia appearing on and being common to four pieces as a third indicia, whereby each of said seven indicia is common to a total of eleven of the 28 set pieces. 2. A game as set forth in claim 1 said seven indicia being numerals. 3. A game as set forth in claim 2 said numeral indicia consisting of the numerals 1 through 6 and blank. 4. A game as set forth in claim 3 said seven indicia including counterpart colors for the numerals 1 through 6 and blank. 5. A game as set forth in claim 1 said seven indicia being colors. 6. A game as set forth in claim 1 said seven indicia being groups of dots representing numbers 1 through 6 and blank. 7. A game as set forth in claim 6 said seven indicia including counterpart colors for the groups of dots representing numbers 1 through 6 and blank. 8. A game as set forth in claim 1 said seven indicia being characters. 9. A game as set forth in claim 1 said seven indicia being symbols. 10. A game as set forth in claim 9 said seven indicia being symbols and counterpart col- Ol'S. 

1. A game comprising a set of 28 rectangular pieces each defining a face divided into two generally square end areas and a narrow dividing area separating said end areas; said 28 pieces each having first and second indicia, on the respective end areas thereof, selected from a group of seven indicia; the first and second indicia for any one piece being the same or different indicia, with no two pieces having the same first and second indicia; each of the seven indicia appearing on and being common to seven of the set pieces as a first or second indicia; each piece having a third indicia selected from said seven indicia on the dividing area thereof, said third indicia for each piece being different from the first and second indicia for that piece; each of said seven indicia appearing on and being common to four pieces as a third indicia, whereby each of said seven indicia is common to a total of eleven of the 28 set pieces.
 2. A game as set forth in claim 1 said seven indicia being numerals.
 3. A game as set forth in claim 2 said numeral indicia consisting of the numerals 1 through 6 and blank.
 4. A game as set forth in claim 3 said seven indicia including counterpart colors for the numerals 1 through 6 and blank.
 5. A game as set forth in claim 1 said seven indicia being colors.
 6. A game as set forth in claim 1 said seven indicia being groups of dots representing numbers 1 through 6 and blank.
 7. A game as set forth in claim 6 said seven indicia including counterpart colors for the grouPs of dots representing numbers 1 through 6 and blank.
 8. A game as set forth in claim 1 said seven indicia being characters.
 9. A game as set forth in claim 1 said seven indicia being symbols.
 10. A game as set forth in claim 9 said seven indicia being symbols and counterpart colors. 